5 books about jazz

We have already talked about the origins and meaning of jazz in a short previous article which listed 5 classics of this musical genre.

Today however, through five books that talk about jazz, we will try to understand its importance.

First, it must be said that jazz has helped to radically change the musical landscape of the 20th century, providing a model for modern music and influencing many other musical genres, such as rock, pop, funk, soul and hip hop.

Second, jazz provided a platform for improvisation, which allowed musicians to experiment and create spontaneously. This led to many musical innovations and made it one of the most creative and innovative musical genres in history.

In addition, jazz has also been culturally important, as it has provided a form of expression for African-American communities in the United States, and has helped spread African-American culture and music around the world.

Finally, jazz has given birth to many great artists such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis And John Coltranewhose musical contributions have been instrumental in the development of this genre and of modern music in general.

Here are 5 books about jazz that might interest you:

Miles Of Miles Davis (with Quincy Troupe)

From the golden age of bebop to the fusion revolution, Miles Davis’ music has crossed and marked the entire history of jazz. In this extraordinary autobiographical book (which the New York Times Book Review called “an outstanding contribution to jazz literature”) Davis recounts the evolution of his style, his groups, albums and concerts, but also friends, women, the family, the dark years of heroin, the conflicts with the whites of the world of the press and established power. From his voice moved by turns, annoyed, proud, a sort of grandiose ensemble film is born in which Charlie Parker and John Coltrane, Dizzy Gil-lespie and Gil Evans, Jimi Hendrix and Prince , and in meaty roles we find Juliette Greco, Jean-Paul Sartre and even Ronald Reagan. Packed with anecdotes and information like a great jazz encyclopedia, but animated by the warmth of a combative personality who hates compromises and thrives on challenges, this book is a fundamental testimony to the history of music, but both an exciting novel and a portrait ” militant” of half a century of black American culture. (Minimum Fax)

How jazz can change your life Of Wynton Marsalis

It’s not just music, jazz. It is also a way of being in the world, and a way of being with others. At the heart of his “philosophy” are the uniqueness and potential of each individual, united however with his ability to listen to others and improvise with them. It was created by the descendants of slaves, but can talk about freedom. He is the son of blues melancholy, but he knows how to let himself go to the purest happiness. His roots are in tradition, but his challenge is continuous innovation. And even if he thrives on harmonic and rhythmic tensions, he knew and still knows how to be a messenger of peace. Wynton Marsalis draws on his exceptional artistic history and the legacy of the great masters to introduce us to this universe made up of opposites that reconcile. With the passion of the protagonist he tells stories of the present and the past. With the expertise of the scholar he explains what and how to listen. Above all, it shows how the central ideas of jazz can help people and communities change the way they think and act, with themselves and with each other. (Feltrinelli)

Jazz standards. A guide to the repertoire Of Ted Joy

A complete guide to the great songs and compositions that form the backbone of jazz music and the common language of performers of this genre from all countries and all eras. From “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Autumn in New York” to “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Sophisticated Lady” and “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love”: the story, the characteristics, the most of over 250 hits ranging from the great Broadway classics to the most famous tunes of jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. For each standard, Gioia provides the reader with a wealth of interesting historical information, colorful anecdotes, technical details and listening directions. More than 2,000 recommended engravings, in a volume suitable for both reading and consultation. (edt)

How to listen to jazz. Conversations with Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny, Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Joshua Redman, Branford Marsalis and more Of Ben Ratliff

There is no better way to understand a musician than to have him speak his own language: music. It was with this assumption that the New York Times critic Ben Ratliff met fifteen of the greatest contemporary jazz musicians and invited them to converse about music freely and disinterestedly, outside the logic of record promotion or those of biographical confession. The result is this one-of-a-kind book: by asking each artist to choose one or more pieces to listen to and comment with him, Ratliff accompanies his interlocutors on a journey through music which is at the same time an examination of executive techniques, an expression of feelings aroused by listening, recognition of paternity and artistic debts. Whether it’s Pat Metheny commenting on Miles Davis’ trumpet, Sonny Rollins explaining the genius of Charlie Parker, or Joshua Redman confronting the sacred monster Coltrane, the musicians who speak in this book never stop reminding us on every page that the magic of jazz is always there, within a stereo shot of our ears, if only we are willing to let ourselves be captivated by it. (Minimum Fax)

New history of jazz Of Alyn Shipton

The stories of jazz, as we know, represent a treacherous terrain: it is difficult to handle an enormously vast material, to precisely scan its paths and turns, to highlight its main and secondary movements, when not underground and karst; give due weight to each musician, risking overexposure for some and a simple quote for others, or even silence; keep up with the evolution of research methodologies; tell the languages ​​and national schools born all over the world, especially in Europe; find an accessible language, times and ways of narration that do not hide behind technical jargon, managing to communicate complex facts and concepts to the reader with the utmost linearity. Since its first appearance at the beginning of the new century, Alyn Shipton’s “New History of Jazz” has marked a watershed: suddenly, all the previous stories, respectable and often prestigious, are suddenly aged. Acting patiently and meticulously on the foundations of facts and stories, digging and tracing elements such as to be able, with full knowledge of the facts and scientific solidity, to impose a new overall vision on a lava and overflowing material, Shipton offers a historical reconstruction and a innovative arrangement of data and facts interpolated to the interpretation of human and stylistic events, capable of overcoming ideological fences, certain old readings now felted. (Einaudi)

A metaphor about jazz

A possible jazz metaphor could be that of an improvised orchestra, in which each musician has his own instrument and style, but everyone must work together to create an overall harmony.

Yes, because jazz is a musical genre in which musicians perform together, but at the same time express themselves through improvisation and individual creativity.

And therefore, like an improvised orchestra, jazz requires great attention and an exceptional ability to listen to each other, in which each musician must be ready to adapt to the moment and collaborate with others to create a unique and engaging performance. (Aaron Stack)